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Yr 10 Genetics Vocab
Vocabulary for Yr 10 Genetics & Evolution Topic
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Mutation | A change in the DNA of an organism. This can make a new allele. |
Trait | A feature controlled by genes (e.g. eye colour). |
Evolution | A gradual process of change in the traits of a species over many generations. |
Gene | A section of DNA that codes for a particular trait / feature (e.g. eye colour). |
Chromosome | A structure made of DNA and found in the nucleus of cells. |
Clone | An organism produced by asexual reproduction (or cloning) of one parent. It is genetically identical to its parent. |
Mutagen | Any factor which increases the chance of a mutation occurring. |
Variation | Differences between the individuals of a species. |
Alleles | Different forms of the same gene. They can be dominant or recessive. |
Cells | The basic unit of a living thing. It includes a nucleus, which contains the DNA. |
Reproduction | The creation of a new individual from previously existing individuals. |
Asexual Reproduction | The creation of a new individual which has DNA from just one parent, to which it is identical. |
Sexual Reproduction | The creation of a new individual which has DNA from two parents. |
Dominant Allele | The form of a gene which is always shown, even if only one is present. Represented with a capital letter (e.g. ‘H’). |
Recessive Allele | The form of the gene which is only shown when two are present. Represented with a lower-case letter (e.g. ‘h’). |
DNA | The molecule which carries the genetic information of an organism. |
Offspring | The next generation of young, resulting from reproduction. |
Nucleus | The part of a cell which contains the DNA (in the form of chromosomes). |
Natural Selection | The process in which individuals which have an advantage in their environment tend to survive and reproduce, passing on their alleles. |
Continuous Variation | When a broad range of measurements are possible for a trait (e.g. height). |
Fertilisation | When a male gamete (sperm) fuses with a female gamete (egg / ovum). |
Discontinuous Variation | When a trait falls into a particular category (e.g. human blood groups). |
Pure-Breeding | When an organism has two matching alleles for a gene (e.g. ‘HH’ or ‘hh’). |